Ask (song)

Infobox Single
Name = Ask


Artist = The Smiths
from Album =The World Won't Listen
Released = October 20 1986
February 6 1995 (re-issue)
Format =
Recorded = Summer 1986
Genre = Alternative rock
Length = 3:10
Label = Rough Trade
Writer = Johnny Marr Morrissey
Producer = John Porter, Steve Lillywhite (remix)
Certification =
Last single = "Panic"
(1986)
This single = "Ask"
(1986)
Next single = "Shoplifters of the World Unite" (1987)"Ask" is a song by The Smiths. It was released as a single in October 1986, reaching #14 in the UK Singles Chart. As with most of The Smiths' singles, it was not included on an original album. It can be found on the compilations "The World Won't Listen" and "Louder Than Bombs" as well as the live album "Rank", where it is introduced as the band's new single. The UK cover shows Yootha Joyce who starred in the UK television series George & Mildred. The song features Kirsty MacColl on backing vocals.

There are two versions of this song. The version that appears on the single releases and the album "The Very Best of The Smiths" fades out slightly sooner and has the vocal track lasting until the end of the song. The backing vocals in this version are also mixed differently and are louder. The version that appears on all albums (save for the one listed above) fades out later (though the end of the track is audible, albeit at a very low level) and has the vocal track ending before the fade begins.

Lyrics

The lyrics feature the protagonist trying to coax another person to stop being shy and enjoy life, doing anything they want to, such as "writing frightening verse to a buck-toothed girl in Luxembourg".

Track listing

7": Rough Trade / RT194 (UK)

# "Ask [Single Version] "
# "Cemetry Gates"

12": Rough Trade / RTT194 (UK)

# "Ask [Single Version] "
# "Cemetry Gates"
# "Golden Lights"

* also released on CD Rough Trade RTT194CD

Etchings on vinyl

UK 7" and 12":ARE YOU LOATHESOME TONIGHT? / TOMB IT MAY CONCERN

German 12":"NATUR FEEDS THE ZENSOR GROUP" / none